Page 35 of Tempt Me

He winked at me, then turned to Needledick. “As a matter of fact, I’ve never had such good service in a hotel before.”

My boss glared at me with wide eyes and a twisted scowl.

“That’s right. Not only did she help me clean up broken dishes, but because I’d dropped my dinner too, she offered to buy me pizza.”

Needledick turned to me. “Oh, did you?”

I nodded, unable to speak.

“I believe she intended to pay with her own money, as well. You should look after staff like this.” Corben placed his fists on his hips.

“Oh yes. I do, of course.”

“Does he, Jane?” Corben’s question caught me off-guard.

I had enough ammunition to bitch about Needledick for a week. But I wanted this job.Needed it.I decided to avoid the question. “I really like working here.”

Corben’s eyes twinkled. “I bet you do.”

Needledick held his hand toward Corben, and they shook. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

“It’s been amazing so far.” Suddenly, Mr. Silent had a lot to say.

Needledick headed toward the door, and I turned to Corben. “Thank you.”

He wriggled his eyebrows, then reached over and squeezed my butt again. “Thank you, Jane.”

I just about died as I left him and joined Needledick in the elevator.

“I guess I owe you an apology.”

I nodded and straightened my shoulders. “Yes. Yes, you do.”

He glared at me. This was the second time I’d put him in his place. He cleared his throat. “Jane, I’m sorry for not believing you.”

“Thank you.”

“We seem to be heading in the wrong direction, don’t we?”

I frowned at him. “Pardon?”

He shifted his feet, and I hated this excruciatingly slow elevator for the hundredth time. “You and me. For the first year or so, we got on really well. Things have changed.”

“You never used to be late for work.” I couldn’t believe I’d blurted that out.

Needledick nodded. “You’re right. It’s been a bit of a juggling act since Mom got sick.”

I frowned.What’s he talking about?

“Oh.” He raised his eyebrows. “I assumed Marjorie told you; she loves her gossip.”

“Told me what?” Marjorie truly was a gossip queen, so I couldn’t imagine why she’d held back.

The doors pinged open, and we stepped across the marble expanse to reception.

“Mom moved in with me about a year ago when her treatment became too much for her to handle. Nights are the worst time.” He heaved a heavy sigh.

Oh, God. I felt terrible. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

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